I just returned a Mavica 71 because it wasn't good at extreme close-ups, the flash washed everything (color) out, and it was difficult to focus looking at the lighted screen. I loved the battery life and the use of floppy discs, and it was easy to use, but it just didn't fit my requirements.

I'm now looking at the Olympus 5000 and 6000. Is the 6000 much more versitile than the 5000? Is the 5000 MUCH better in low light? I need sharp close-ups, i.e. coins, etc. but my husband wants good depth of field (for all-around use) and we both want true color. Adding lenses is a plus.

I've also read the good reports on the Nikon 900 - I know all three are good cameras, but I need to decide fairly quickly, and order one. I'd sure appreciate your input, especially if you have experience with two or three of the above. (Thanks)

-- Mlou Brown (rbrownsan@aol.com), November 11, 1998